PHILADELPHIA, Pa. – Nearly two months after Hurricane Ida ravaged Boathouse Row, the Villanova Rowing team was able to compete for the first time in the fall 2021 season Saturday at the Head of the Schuylkill.

"It was wonderful to be out on the water competing again," stated Villanova head coach Carissa Adams. "I was really impressed with how our athletes handled themselves given the hardships they have faced this year.  We knew we would be racing at a much lower rate than the other teams as we had a total of eight practices on the water going into this race.  The athletes acted like champions from the moment they arrived at the course to the end of the day.  The coaching staff was impressed with the results of every boat, given our lack of water time.  We focused on mindset today and the team really adhered to this concept.  They brought a championship focus into the boat during the races.  This weekend is a good indication that we will be strong and prepared for our spring season if we can get back on the water in full capacity."

Adams pointed to one Wildcat as she reflected on the day's events.   

"This race was especially meaningful for one athlete in particular, Brooke Zigmund, as it was her last race competing as a Wildcat," noted the Villanova Head Coach. "She will be graduating at the end of this semester.  Brooke has been a tremendous team member and has overcome many obstacles to be able to race today.  It was a fantastic opportunity to see her finish her season in a boat with all her teammates." 
 
The Wildcats competed in three races Saturday.
 
In the Women's Club Championship Eights, Villanova had two entries.
 
The first of the two Wildcats groups placed 14^th with a time of 13:54.449. The Nova lineup in that one included:
Cox'n - Mackenzie O'Reilly
8- Annie Dudrear
7- Zoe Barnes
6- Emma Lovejoy
5- Elizabeth Liedtka
4- Caroline Shea
3- Isabelle Parker
2- Brooke Zigmund
1- Julia Longo
 
The second Nova unit placed 16^th with a time of 14:03.497. The eight rowers in that one included:
Cox'n - Abby Burns
8- Maddie Burke
7- Sarah Burghardt
6- Olivia Krause
5- Fiona Fennessey
4- Jillian DeMerlier
3- Alex Petrozzi
2- Madeline McCarthy
1- Holly Hubbard 
 
The final Villanova race got underway at 3:50 p.m. The Wildcats finished in sixth place in the Women's Championship Eights with a time of 13:02.816. Its rowers featured:
 
Cox'n - Julia Ramsey
8 - Greta Horgan
7 - Kaitlin Urbanik
6 - Mary Arnold
5 - Claire Barrett
4 - Corinne Gardner
3 - Grace Quirk
2 - Erin Welch
1 - Claire Humphrey